Stories differ as to what inspired Barrera to give up on civilization and embrace life as a hermit on the remote island. Some say, for example, that he left his wife and child to retreat to the canals, while others have it that he fled there after his lover left him.

Whatever the reason, Barrera built a hut on the island and began growing flowers and vegetables to sell to locals in the nearby town. Then, one day, his peaceful existence was, according to local lore, forever changed.